Chakra - Committed to open-minded, inclusive and compassionate Krishna Conscious News, Views and Discussions

All India Literary Quiz for Children

by Parsada devi dasi
Posted July 5, 2009

As an offering to His Divine Grace Srila Prabhupada on his 50th sannyasa anniversary, ISKCON Vrindavan, ISKCON Pune and Bhaktivedanta Gurukula and International School - Vrindavan have jointly launched the prestigious All-India Bhaktivedanta Swami Literary Quiz for ISKCON children between 10-15 years.

The organizers are expecting thousands of entries from temples all over India.

The aims and objectives of this program are to identify, enthuse and unite our ISKCON children all over the world, through the in-depth study of Srila Prabhupada's books. This year we are hosting it nationally; next year it will be on an international level. (Click here for the full article)

Touchstone Script Request

by Rohini Priya dd
Posted July 5, 2009

We urgently need a humorous (preferably short) script for a festival we are doing 18 July. I thought about "The Touchstone", but I don't remember the story line so well. If anyone can forward me a script for about 2-4 devotees, I would be most grateful.

In the News:

As Steaks Mount, Hare Krishnas Beef Up Appeals to Save Cows
by Sudeep Reddy for The Wall Street Journal, submitted by Krsnaa Fitch
Posted July 4, 2009

The dairy cows at New Vrindaban eat grain while they're milked twice a day.

NEW VRINDABAN, West Virginia, USA -- Saving cows, the Hare Krishnas in this village have learned, is a lot easier in India.

Created four decades ago, New Vrindaban was the first cattle sanctuary in the U.S. At its peak, it had 434 bovine refugees. Today, the cattle population is down to 80 because there's not enough money to support more. So the Hare Krishna community is borrowing a tactic more commonly used by charities that try to save people.

For $51, you can feed a cow for a month, while $108 would "provide special care for retired cows who can no longer breed or give milk," the group says in one appeal. "In one selfless stroke, you are sending a valuable message to our children and to a troubled world which sees today's gentle cow as tomorrow's dinner." (Click here for the full article)

Private Room Available in Devotional Home

by Sudevi dasi
Posted July 2, 2009

I have reduced the price on the room for rent and I am offering an option to anyone looking to do work exchange for up to half making the rent for you as low as $163/month. Do you do massage, other therapies, child care, house keeping, light handy work?

Email me for more pictures of our home, You will love our place and feel right at home.

Downtown Alachua, FL - 4 Blocks from Public Library
Available Now - July 1st 2009
$325/month (Click here for the full article)

Home Care Helper Needed

by M. Indrani devi dasi
Posted July 2, 2009

I am an 82-year-old devotee living in Alachua, Florida. I am looking for a mature, single, female devotee as a live-in assistant, who speaks English. My health is fair, but I have trouble with walking, reaching for objects, and with other practical activities. Presently, I live in a two-bedroom apartment, but I'm looking for a two/ three-bedroom house.

Your duties would include cooking one meal a day, cleaning and laundry, some driving,--to Temple, health appointments, food shopping, and helping with home Deity worship. I prefer someone with her own car.

I am offering room and board plus a stipend. (Click here for the full article)

The Passing of a Friend of Krishna

by Bhaktin Sara
Posted July 2, 2009

Although not so many people reading Chakra may know of this devotee, I wanted to honor her by writing about her after her recent passing on. Any prayers and good thoughts sent her way would be appreciated.

Her name was Sara, and she was my neighbor about five years ago. We met in our parking lot, and became friends right away. From that day forward we shared meals, laughs, and neighborly talks. When she found out I was practicing Krishna Consciousness, she laughingly told me her stories about taking books and then feeling obligated to give donations at the airport to some sankirtana devotees. When her health was good, she used to come to the Sunday Feast occasionally, and we'd share spiritual talks at home. (Click here for the full article)

Tuition Sponsor Wanted

by Dhanaya Gouranga Das & Mangala Malati Dasi
Posted July 1, 2009

We are the parents of Krishna Priya Dasi, age 4½ years, writin with a request for anyone who might be interested in kindly sponsoring her tuition at the ISKCON school in Mayapur. She joined Pre-School in last year, now in August this year she will be in Reception were the school fees are 20,000/- rupees a year.

We havebeen doing service 12 years in the temple.right now we don't have any service in temple and house to stay. We rent outside. We have a small business (Xerox machine & color photo studio) somehow we try to make about five thousand rupees in a month. With that we pay rent, electricity, milk, gas, and maintained our family. So it's not possible for us to pay 20,000/- rupees for her school fees a year. (Click here for the full article)

Ratha Yatra Report

by Samba Das
Posted July 1, 2009

By the blessings of Srila Prabhupad and all the vaishnvasa our maiden Rathayatra festival turned out to be very successful with thousands of people attending the program.

The 30 ft high Ratham with a collapsible canopy was tastefully decorated with very beautiful flowers and balloons. There were five different kirtan mandalis apart from our local devotees singing kirtans. There was also Nadaswaram parties,kolatam dances,people dressed as different characters from Ramayan and Mahabharath entertaining the crowds,decorated horses and Continuous mass prasadam distribution of Pulihara, laddu, Sweet pongal,bananas etc.was part of the procession. 600 Rajasthani Sanskritik mandal members distributed Water Pkts,Butter milk, soft drinks through out the procession.More than 200 police personel and 8 bomb squad were present all through the program. (Click here for the full article)

New Website Launched By Gopal Jiu Publications

by Madhavananda Das
Posted July 1, 2009

Gopal Jiu Publications is pleased to announce our completely new and reconstructed web site:

www.gopaljiu.org

Desiring to serve devotees, scholars, and aficionados of Krishna-katha, www.gopaljiu.org now offers:

1) Downloadable PDF extracts from all of our books and magazines

2) Some complete books available for reading online

3) Downloadable PDF articles (Click here for the full article)

Room Wanted in Cambridge, MA

by Vinod Yadav
Posted June 30, 2009

I am going to join a two year full time Master Program at Harvard Kennedy School starting August this year. I am looking for an apartment which is not far away from university campus. I am also looking for a shared accommodation with someone who is vegetarian. Living with a devotee will be ideal. Please let me know if you have any idea to help me. I will be very grateful to you for your help. Email: yadavvk@gmail.com Phone: +91 9958050107

ISKCON Child Protection

a response by Dhira Govinda das (David Wolf, PhD, LCSW)
Posted June 30, 2009

In recent weeks I've seen a few articles implying that the activities of the ISKCON Child Protection Office (CPO) have been somehow opposed to or in place of the functions of civic law enforcement and social service authorities. I served as director of the CPO from 1998-2004, and I want to clarify that a major emphasis of the CPO was to strongly recommend that everyone connected with Srila Prabhupada's movement learn and follow local laws and policies regarding reporting suspected child abuse, and to train persons concerned about child protection in ISKCON to cooperate with government authorities. The CPO's endeavors were intended to complement, not supplant, the efforts of State agencies. I fully trust that this has continued to be the case with the CPO. (Click here for the full article)

Janmashtami Sankirtan Group Wanted

by Bhakta Kaplish, ISKCON Ludhiana
Posted June 30, 2009

A sankirtana group of devotees who can perform ecstatic hari naam sankirtan and can handle about five thousand congregational devotees, needed for Sri Krishna Janmashtami Festival on 14th August, 09 at ISKCON, Ludhiana, India. Apart from fare, reasonable financial compensation will be given. If interested please call 098142-05959 or email bhakta.kaplish@pamho.net.

Books And Tapes for Sale

by Dina Sharana dasa
Posted June 27, 2009

Complete set of Srila Prabhupada's lectures on tape cassettes. $200 charity offer. (out of 1400 tapes 10 are missing)

Complete set of Srila Prabhupada's transcribed conversations. $125 (35 volumes)

Four Volume, unabridged Mahabharata set, Ganguli version. $50

Purana sets by Indian Publisher - Brahma, Brahmanda, Narada, Agni $25 each. Skandha Purana - $120 (approx. 15 volumes)

Contact Dina Sharana Dasa or Satyabhama Dasi at (386)418-0595

In the News:

MP Visits ISKCON Soho
by Kallidai Ramesh
Posted June 27, 2009

London, June 16 2009

Mark Field, Conservative Member of Parliament from Westminster visited the Hindu temple at Soho Street on 15th June to understand how its Hindu congregation was making a substantial contribution to the local communities. The Radha Krishna ISKCON temple which was established 40 years ago by Swami Prabhupada is the oldest Hindu temple in the city of London.

Receiving Mark Field with a ceremonial Hindu ceremony, Jai Nitai Dasa President of the temple said, "We have a vibrant, progressive and spiritually inspiring Hindu community here in the heart of his constituency for over 40 years. (Click here for the full article)

Head of Mayapur Child Protection Team Wanted

by MCS office
Posted June 27, 2009

MCS (Mayaypur Community Sevaks) is seeking a qualified, full time, responsible, mature devotee to head the Child Protection Team in Mayapur. Previous experience and training is required. Some experience living and serving in India is preferable. The applicant must have leadership abilities, be a team player, and be dedicated to child protection. The applicant must be fluent in English.

Duties include overseeing the Child Protection Team and office, community and child education, counseling/ mediation when needed. (Click here for the full article)

ISKCON Padayatra 25 Years

by Gaura Krishna das
Posted June 26, 2009

1984 marked the year when ISKCON devotees set out from Dwaraka on the first ISKCON padayatra ever. H.H.Lokanath Swami was amongst the padayatris and many other senior devotees from ISKCON took part. It became a grand success and when they returned to Dwaraka after a full round of India all of Dwaraka came out to recieve them. Since then the All India Padayatra has circumambulated many times and are just about to complete yet another round. This padayatra, which could be named the mother of all other padayatras in ISKCON, has inspired many other padayatras around the globe and on this day we have more than 20 padayatras going on every year in many contries around the globe. To celebrate that ISKCON has managed to conduct 25 years of padayatra in so many contries and to inspire another 25 years of padayatra on a bigger scale than ever before, we here at the ISKCON Padayatra Ministry are preparing several events throughout the year.

We want to invite you all to come to (Click here for the full article)

Kaviraja Das, He Loved Srila Prabhupada

by Vaisnavananda das
Posted June 26, 2009

Kaviraj das (right) with Dishan at New Vrndavan

It is with a sad heart that we inform the Vaisnava community of the passing of Kaviraj das prabhu on June 1st, 2009. Kaviraj prabhu is a direct initiated disciple of Srila Prabhupada. For those of us who knew him personally, we can proudly state that he loved Srila Prabhupada and exhibited that love openly and fervently. Kavi prabhu (as we all affectionately called him) served Srila Prabhupada in America as well as in India, where he spent a number of years preaching. There he learnt to speak the local languages, Hindi, Bengali, etc., fluently and imbibed the culture of India. He legally changed his name to the initiated name given to him by Srila Prabhupada: Kaviraj Das.

He married a pious Bengali girl, Shanti devi dasi, and raised four Krsna conscious children. Kavi was a truly charismatic individual, (Click here for the full article)

A Generous Offer

by Aprakrita dasa
Posted June 26, 2009

We are always working to find good prices for the devotees and friends of Lord Krishna. Sometimes we receive a donation and thus want to share a part of this donation with you. Sometimes we buy a large quantity of items, in this way we can offer a better price. Anyway we are working to be able and help devotees from around the world to obtain items (books, database etc) of Srila Prabhupada, at a very reasonable price.

10 MP3 Discs and Gaura Nitai's murtis!

MP3 Disc of Audio CD Ministry

More of Srila Prabhupada's lectures and conversations in the MP3 format. These MP3 discs contain the original audio CD ministry, CDM-1 through CDM-102, started in 1995*. (Click here for the full article)

Countdown to KulimeLA

by the Kuli Mela Organizers
Posted June 25, 2009

KulimeLA 2009 Poster

(Click here for the full article)

Chandan Yatra Festival

by Rama and Murli, ISKCON Murari Sevaka
Posted June 25, 2009

On Saturday, July 11th 2009
3rd annual!!!
Come and have darshan of Sri Sri Nitai-gourachandra covered in cooling sandalwood paste

Join us in a lively procession, chanting the holy names of the Lord in a kirtan led by Gadi Prabhu. Help us carry the Deities of Chota Goura-Nitai and Srila Prabhupada in a palanquin to the pond where we will all offer Them abhiseka. Listen to a wonderful lecture by our guest of honor, His Holiness Hanumat Preshak Swami, and end the transcendental evening with a delicious vegetarian feast.

Schedule

(Click here for the full article)

DVD's And Books for Sale

by Cynthia Johnson
Posted June 23, 2009

Please contact me at kumudavana@aol.com for more info. I can provide pictures if you desire via the email. Thank you.

Books

1. First edition 1972 hardcover Bhagavad-gita As It Is - published by Macmillan - book is in very good condition with yellowing of pages - natural for a book of this age. The dust jacket is in tact with chips all along the edges. Dustjacket might be considered a bit fragile. Please make offer.

2. Padma Purana - new - Purnaprajna dasa - new - retails for $21.95 - $15.00

3. Mahabharata - told by Krishna Dharma dasa - new - retails for $30.00 - $20.00

4. Srila Prabhupada Samsara (Click here for the full article)

Kancana Kunda Darshan

by Devaki Prana das
Posted June 23, 2009

After several days of battling with the upsurging waters coming into Radha Kunda from Kancana Kunda with pumps breaking, clogging pipes and goverment disunity amidst general mismanagement (a body without a head), despite such shortcomings, Sri Radha has finally allowed a darshan of Her sacred lila stan. Three pumps were used instead of the one and finally the area around 30 feet square, of where Radha first marked the ground with Her bangle, came into veiw for minutes the other night but consistently from yesterday morning on wards.

Exihibiting transcendental arrogance in having created such a beautiful Syama Kunda, filled with the sacred waters of all the holy places in the universe, Krsna began teasing Radharani and the gopis saying that because they were only simple village girls, they must never have performed any religious duties in this world for the pleasure of the demigods. (Click here for the full article)

Salted Bread

by Ramacandra das
Posted June 23, 2009

I just finished reading the book 'Salted Bread'. The story of the Russian devotees in the early days has touched my heart. It has been years since tears have flown in my eyes, this book brought tears to my eyes several times.

After reading this book a desire arised in my heart to communicate with Sarvabhavana Prabhu. If someone has his contact info if you could please email me or reply to this article. (Click here for the full article)

Saranagati Ratha Yatra

by Karunamayi Dasi
Posted June 23, 2009

Saturday, July 4th marks the annual Jagannath Rathayatra in Saranagati, BC.

Kindly join us for a wonderful procession through the valley and culminating in a wonderful feast at the festival site by the lake. Then stay on for some entertaining stage presentations, roof-lifting kirtans, swimming, bhajans and drumming by the bon fire and Saranagati's famous open-fire-french-fry prasada.

For more information, please contact Uttama dasi @ uttamadd@yahoo.com (Click here for the full article)

The Song Books Have Arrived

by Suchandra dasi
Posted June 22, 2009

"Sri Guru Gauranga Jayatah /Victory to Sri Guru and Gauranga" Ekadasi June 18, 2009

I am very excited and proud to announce that, Songs of our Holy Masters -in English (The Vaishnava songs in English) are Here! They are so beautiful and first class! I love them! The copies arrived in Hawaii a few days ago and 100 copies are available! Get your copy of Songs of our Holy Masters now!

*If you have paypal you can get a copy right now and send your order using this address (vedichawaii@yahoo.com) to make your order from paypal. Only 15.00 for a SUPER addition to your Krishna Conscious library! (Click here for the full article)

The Language of Dance

by Kanva das
Posted June 22, 2009

Click Here for the video.

It was Bharat (of which there were a few who had that name) who was told by Lord Bhramha at the end of the Satya Yuga, that men were becoming more interested in women that mediation So then Lord Bhramha told the great sage to teach dance which could be followed very eagerly by all men....

Bhagavad-Gita Computer Yoga

by Krishna.com
Posted June 21, 2009

Krishna.com is developing a new department to facilitate our spiritual education called the Bhakti Academy. Our first eCourse will be Bhagavad-Gita As It Is, beginning July 6.

Devotees have distributed hundreds and thousands of Bhagavad-Gitas world-wide in pursuance of the order of Srila Prabhupada. This transcendental treatise of Lord Krishna is the soul of the Hare Krishna movement.

We are inviting everyone, whether a seasoned devotee or new to the science of Krishna consciousness, to join with us in the study of the Gita. Online forums will be a place to share realizations, questions, and pertinent issues relevant to life in the world today. (Click here for the full article)

Mayapur School Accepting Applications

by SMIS
Posted June 21, 2009

The Sri Mayapur International School's holistic approach to education engages the body, mind, intelligence and words of devotee children from all over the world. It prepares them to fulfill their life's purpose spiritually, at the same time providing internationally accepted skills, training and academic education.

SMIS immerses students in an alternative educational system that balances traditional, eternal spiritual values and contemporary international academics. This equips students to follow a Krishna Conscious lifestyle whilst pursuing a career in commerce, science, academia and other disciplines.

Nestled amidst mango, guava and kadamba trees in the lush countryside of ISKCON Mayapur's community in West Bengal, 120 Km north of Calcutta, the school and its residential Ashram buildings are ideally situated. (Click here for the full article)

37th Annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) - Toronto - July 18-19, 2009

by Yashoda Singh
Posted June 21, 2009

New Remuna Dhama, ISKCON Toronto, would like to extend a warm invitation to devotees around the world to experience our 37th Annual Festival of India (Ratha-Yatra) on July 18-19, 2009! Toronto's Ratha-Yatra has the unique distinction of being accredited by Madhuha das, the organizer of the traveling Festival of India tour, as being the largest Ratha-Yatra in North America with close to 40,000 people in attendance along with a plethora of Srila Prabhupada's books sold each year!

Rocking Kirtan Down Yonge Street!

The weekend festivities kick off with the famous Ratha-Yatra parade beginning at Yonge and Bloor on July 18th at 11:00am. The parade features three beautifully decorated chariots making their way down world-famous Yonge Street amidst ecstatic kirtan! (Click here for the full article)

Asto Named as a 2009 TEDGlobal Fellow for Congo Varnasrama Eco-Project

by Hare Krsna dasi
Posted June 20, 2009

Just wanted to share with you that Asto (Alexander Petroff) has been named a 2009 TED Fellow for his Working Villages International project in the Democratic Republic of Congo! He'll be presenting at a conference with the other TED fellows July 21-24 in Oxford, England!

www.ted.com/fellows

Click Here

workingvillages.org/

New Website for Struggling Devotees

by Srutadeva das
Posted June 20, 2009

We are hoping to start (if Krsna desires) a new website to be called "FOR STRUGGLING DEVOTEES - for Vaishnavas struggling with sexual issues." We are in need of someone to volunteer to help us with the design, creation and technical aspects of starting this website as we have no experience in this area.

There are numerous secular and Christian sites online to help people with problems of a sexual nature. But as of yet, there is nothing for Vaishnavas. Of course, we realize that this is a sensitive and often embarrassing topic and in one sense Srila Prabhupada has already given us everything we need to overcome lust. However, online pornography is extremely easy to access and sexual addictions are rampant. Unfortunately devotees are not immune to these and other such problems. (Click here for the full article)

Ride to Detroit Ratha Yatra?

by Krishn Dharma devi dasi
Posted June 20, 2009

I live in Toledo, OH on the east side, and I was wondering if anyone in the area will be going to the Detroit Ratha Yatra that could give me and my boyfriend a ride. We would chip in for gas. It would be much appreciated! Please contact me at krishnadharmadevi@yahoo.com if you might be interested in helping.

Aravade Temple Opening a Success

by Gaura Krishna das, Temple president, ISKCON Aravade
Posted June 17, 2009

We here at ISKCON Aravade (located in a village of 5000 residents, 250 kilometres south of Pune, Maharashtra) are happy to write a small report on what has happened here since our grand opening in February 2009.

After so many people mercifully came to take part in the opening festival and really brought us so much happiness, we faced a major task in bringing everything back to normal. Many things needed to be done and a major clean-up was also needed. All the pandals had to be taken down and the fields ploughed. Borrowed items had to be returned with small gifts of appreciation. We spent around 30 days with all this, and now everything here is clean and the temple is running in a very nice way. (Click here for the full article)

CPO Proposal Process And External Review Panel Update

by Praharana dasi (GBC Deputy)
Posted June 17, 2009

Laksmi-Nrsimhadeva das, Dharini das and Visnugada das have recently posted several articles regarding the Child Protection Office and the CPO Proposal that they submitted to the GBC for review in 2009. They infer that this proposal was mismanaged. As one of the GBC Deputies who was involved with this proposal, I want to definitively state that this did not happen. Every proposal that is submitted to the GBC for review is examined by the GBC Deputies. The Deputies are 25 senior devotees from all over the world who volunteer their time. The Deputies do not change proposals. They assist proposal writers and GBC sponsors to rework the proposal into something the GBC Body can pass as a resolution, should they choose to do so. A resolution is a formal statement of a decision or expression of opinion. Each proposal, therefore, must represent the GBC mood and intent on any issue. No proposal can be modified without the approval of the writers or the GBC sponsor until it becomes a GBC Resolution. At that time the GBC owns the proposal and can modify it as they like. (Click here for the full article)

World Holy Names Week Events

by Ram Prasad das
Posted June 17, 2009

Internet Sankirtan Party: we are asking for at least 50 temples to participate in sankirtan-yajna for 4 hours on Saturday, September 5, and for another 4 hours on Sunday, September 6. What is unique about this kirtan festival is that a single kirtan will be taking place in over 50 temples, as if we were all in one big temple room with many altars. One temple will do the "call", and the other temples will do the "response."
We are also asking each temple to organize a 50-person Harinam party for the 50th-year Anniversary of Srila Prabhupada's Sannyasa (Friday, September 4).
Japathon: we would like all devotees and congregational members to make a japa commitment for World Holy Names Week (September 2 through September 11).

(Click here for the full article)

CPO is Flawed but Necessary

by Sanaka Rsi das
Posted June 16, 2009

I agree with Visnugada das's findings ("CPO Mistakes Remain Under The Rug") that the CPO is inadequately equipped for its task and that much needs to be done for its improvement. However, I disagree with just about everything else in his paper.

It is important to be aware of Visnugada prabhu's position and possible bias when reading his presentation. I find his paper to be an oversimplification of an otherwise complex issue and his suggested solutions to be inadequate, impractical and difficult to implement.

His motives are to please Srila Prabhupada and protect devotees from a miscarriage of justice, which is commendable. Instead of requesting a case review, however, he tries to influence the reader towards a conclusion of innocence. (Click here for the full article)

Anti-TKG Tirade Was ‘Grave Theological Error’

by Krishnabhishek das
Posted June 16, 2009

In response to Mukunda prabhu’s recent attack (posted elsewhere) on HH Tamal Krishna Goswami, I am writing as a student/scholar of Gaudiya Vaisnavism presenting our siddhanta both within the Vaishnava community and to secular academia, as well as a disciple of Tamal Krishna Maharaja, who engaged me directly in these services.

Mukunda das posted Chapter 24 from a 2004 book edited by Dr. Edwin Bryant, and has mistaken this for Maharaja’s doctoral dissertation, an entirely separate work. Along with Garuda prabhu (Graham Schweig, PhD, Harvard), I am assisting in reviewing his thesis for publication. I also know Prof. Julius Lipner from Cambridge, Maharaja’s thesis adviser (not "handler", as Mukunda das terms it), who initially helped prepare it for publication. (Click here for the full article)

Gita Nagari Ratha Yatra

by Ortrun Gates
Posted June 16, 2009

This year's 33rd annual Ratha Yatra at Gita Nagari Farm in Port Royal, PA promises not only to be a treat to those who have visited the farm before, but especially for those among you who have never had the opportunity to attend. Since this is a farm festival and we do not have the same constraints as city festivals, we have devised a slightly different, day-long program for our visitors.

The festivities will take place around the garden and cow pastures in the vicinity of the old factory building. Plans are in the works for tours of the garden, barn, the refurbished (still under construction) bramacari ashram, cow and oxen tour. We'll have a petting zoo for young and old, as well as pony rides. If you are lucky, you might even be able to watch the cows being milked, (Click here for the full article)

Position Vacant

by Hare Krishna School in Auckland
Posted June 14, 2009

Hare Krishna School in Auckland has a position vacant for a qualified and motivated devotee educator. Our school is a Primary school catering for students up to 12 years of age. We have a current school roll of 86 students and is rapidly increasing in size.

The successful applicant will have experience in teaching primary level students up to twelve years of age. Personal specifications include dependability, flexibility and adaptability. You must be able to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of primary school curriculum and how to meet the needs of the learner. (Click here for the full article)

In the News:

Why Can't We Clean Up Mother Ganges?
by Joshua Hammer Smithsonian magazine
Posted June 14, 2009

The River Ganges has been revered by millions in India as a symbol of spiritual purity. "Mother Ganga" is described by ancient Hindu scriptures as a gift from the gods; that is, the earthly incarnation of the deity Ganga. "Man becomes pure by the touch of the water, or by consuming it, or by expressing its name," proclaims Lord Vishnu in the Ramayana.

For some time now, this romantic view of the Ganges has collided with India's grim realities. The country's explosive population growth, industrialization and rapid urbanization have put unyielding pressure on the sacred stream. Irrigation canals siphon off ever more water to grow food. Industries operate in a regulatory climate that has changed little since 1984, when a Union Carbide pesticide plant in the northern city of Bhopal leaked 27 tons of deadly methyl isocyanate gas and killed 20,000 people. (Click here for the full article)

NY Ratha Yatra Looking for Singers

by Lilananda das
Posted June 13, 2009

Every year there is a Yellow truck that rides in front of the Jagannatha Cart. We are looking for devotees to join the kirtan group on this truck. We prefer devotees who can sing nicely and play kartals or mridanga. The parade lasts approximately three hours and you would have to commit for at least half of the parade. Please contact Lilananda dasa at lilananda.acbsp@pamho.net. (Click here for the full article)

Detroit Rathayatra

by detroitiskcon.org
Posted June 12, 2009

Detroit 2009 Rathayatra
Novi Civic Center
Saturday, June 20th, 2009, 10 AM (Click here for the full article)

Bharat-Natyam Dance Camp

by Prema Natya Vidyalaya
Posted June 10, 2009

For girls ages 4-8 years old: June 29th-July 3rd 2009

For girls ages 9-13 years old: July 6th-10th 2009

9:00am-2:00pm
1819 Dimmocks Mill Road
Hillsborough, NC 27278

Come spend a summer week learning Classical Indian dance, hand gestures, and expressive face movements. There will also be story-telling from the scriptures, crafts, face painting, Sanskrit songs, jewelry making, and much fun. Location is one mile from the New Goloka temple, in a beautiful area.

Mother-daughter team Kamalini Darling and Gaurangi Priya Gopal will be running the camp. (Click here for the full article)

Cida-Dadhi-Mahotsava

by Ila devi dasi
Posted June 10, 2009

Sri Mayapur International School, Saturday 6 June

With numerous colourful pots filled with lovingly prepared chipped rice, festive flags and banana leaves, sweet kirtana sounds in the air and a large gathering of vaisnavas around SriSRi Gaura-Nitai, the Sri Mayapur International School was transformed into the village of Panihati on the banks of the Ganga.

Inspired by the wonderful "cida-dadhi-mahotsava," the chipped rice festival as described in the Sri Caitanya Caritamrita, Krishna-Prestaya Mataji, the Cultural Progam Manager of the school, tried to follow step-by-step the instructions given by Lord Nityananda to Raghunatha dasa Goswami:

"Hearing this, Lord Nityananda Prabhu said, "You are a thief. Now you have come to see Me. Come here, come here. Today I shall punish you," (Click here for the full article)

Snake Oil, Scapegoats and the Hare Krishnas: The CPO's Use of Bogus Science

by Visnugada dasa, Psy.D.
(Doctorate of Psychology; specialty in psychological assessment), Philadelphia.
Posted June 9, 2009

While completing my doctoral training in psychology, I had an assessment case where a couple had been accused of child abuse and subsequently had a child removed from their care by Child Protective Services. I was to administer a psychological evaluation to both parents in order to shed light on their guilt or innocence. I had no idea what kind of psychological test might be helpful since psychological tests are usually made to measure things like depression or psychotic thinking, not child abuse potential. My supervisors gave me carte blanche to communicate with any expert in the U.S. in order to find an appropriate tool to use. I talked with many experts. The overwhelming conclusion I heard was that there is no such test. In other words, there is no psychological test that is capable of determining if person A abused child B. I was warned to be skeptical of those who say they have devised such a test. (Click here for the full article)

GBC Proposal to Suspend And Reorganize Child Protection Office

by Laksmi-nrsimhadeva das, Dharini dasi (Attorney-at-Law) and Visnugada das (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology)
Posted June 9, 2009

Srila Prabhupada used to give the example of testing one grain to determine if the whole pot of rice is cooked. Our review of Child Protection Office actions in one case alerted us to serious oversights, errors, prejudicial procedures and marked incompetence by the CPO. Were the CPO's actions just, or is there the danger of cases being wrongly handled? A close examination led us to believe that the CPO does not understand basic concepts necessary to fair handling. That is why we are asking for the GBC to take a closer look at the CPO to increase its reliability and effectiveness. See "CPO Mistakes Remain Under The Rug".

Our conclusions were drawn from a careful look at the case of an accused devotee, from discussions with ISKCON authorities when the CPO was being developed, and from facts available in the public domain. The information was sufficiently troubling that we found it our duty to make the current proposal. We have no personal vendetta against particular members of the CPO or the North American GBC.

(Click here for the full article)

Renewed Energy At ISKCON Prison Ministry

by Mukunda das
Posted June 9, 2009

For the past 22 years, thousands of Inmates have had the great fortune to get familiar with Krsna Consciousness through the dedicated service of devotee volunteers. Every year, thousands of Srila Prabhupada's books are being introduced in hundreds of penitentiary institutions. With every issue of Back To Godhead, hundreds of copies are sent to eager inmate readers. Japa beads, neck beads, lectures and pictures are finding their way to this "captive audience", as mother Shyama Priya dasi affectionately used to say. For many inmates, corresponding with devotees through snail mail is the only sane or sobering contact they've had since they were incarcerated.

Through the ISKCON Prison Ministry, many inmates take to the chanting of the Holy Names, to the study of the philosophy, to amazing Krsna-conscious artwork, as well as to organizing programs for the benefit of other inmates in the same jail. (Click here for the full article)

"They Have to Have the Books" Mother Shyama Priya's Life of Service

by Madhava Smullen
Posted June 8, 2009

Shyama Priya Dasi, the driving force behind ISKCON's Prison Ministry, passed away on April 16, 2009 in Gainesville, Florida, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. As her son, daughters, daughter-in-law, and many loving devotee friends sat close by her bed and chanted the names of God, they reflected on her exemplary life.

Originally from El Cajon, San Diego, Shyama Priya was searching for something that made more sense than her conventional life when she found a Back to Godhead magazine in her local Laundromat. She attended a Sunday Feast in 1974, took spiritual initiation from Srila Pra bhupada, and never looked back. (Click here for the full article)

Great Deal On Srimad Bhagavatam

by Aprakrita dasa
Posted June 8, 2009

We are always working to find good prices for the devotees and friends of Lord Krishna. Sometimes we receive a donation and thus want to share a part of this donation with you. Sometimes we buy a large quantity of items, in this way we can offer a better price. We are working to be able and help devotees and friends of Krishna from around the world to obtain items (books, database etc) of Srila Prabhupada, at a very reasonable price. (Click here for the full article)

Memorizing Bhajans Made Easy, Online Course

by Achyuta Krishna dasa
Posted June 8, 2009

Bhaktistudies is pleased to announce a new and UNIQUE course per details below:

Title: Memorizing Bhajans made easy - Word by Word translation

Start date: 6/10/2009 (approx 10 hours of instructions)

Tuition: None. Course is free.

Enrollment: www.bhaktistudies.ning.com

Questions: igvt.hbg@gmail.com

CPO Mistakes Remain Under The Rug

Interview with Vishnugada dasa
Posted June 7, 2009

At the 2009 Mayapur GBC meetings, a resolution proposal was introduced aiming at reviewing and restructuring the functions of the Child Protection Office due to serious errors in adjudication.

Q: I understand you and some other devotees proposed a GBC resolution for the 2009 Mayapura Festival involving the CPO. Could you explain what the resolution was?

A: The proposal had two parts. The first was to suspend the CPO functions of investigating and trying ISKCON child abuse cases for one year. That was to happen only in countries where civil authorities carry out the same functions. The CPO's function of educating devotees and congregation members would continue. (Click here for the full article)

Kulimela 2009

by the Kuli Mela Organizers
Posted June 7, 2009

KulimeLA 2009 Poster (Click here for the full article)

Rush to Judgment On David Carradine

by Nrsimhananda das (ITV)
Posted June 7, 2009

Please do not buy into all the media frenzy swirling around the departure of David Carradine. Especially, do not make any assumptions about him, his life, or his destination.

David spent occassional time with me at the Pyramid House. At first, he was reluctant to enter the house. We would meet outside. Gradually, he became comfortable enough to come in and hang out in the presence of Sri Sri Gaura Nitai. He would sit and soulfully sing his original compositions on my couch. He expressed his quest for spirituality especially in his songs which are less familiar to the general public. (Click here for the full article)

First Annual Ratha Yatra in Harrisburg, PA

by Pariksit Dasa
Posted June 6, 2009

On behalf of the Institute of Higher Understanding (IoHU) management team for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I would like to request that the following ad and attached flyer be posted ASAP at your web site. The ad is about the first ever Ratha Yatra Festival in the city. Lord Jagannatha has been kind enough to allow the city officials to grant permission for this Ratha Yatra to take place as part of a city-wide festival (Harrisburg's Annual American Musicfest) held annually at River Front Park, Front Street, Harrisburg, PA. (Click here for the full article)

Jayapataka Swami And Pankajanghri Prabhu Arrive in Atlanta

by Sikhi Mahiti das
Posted June 6, 2009

The longtime servants and life force of our Sridham Mayapur Chandra mandir have arrived in Atlanta. Pankajanghri das was greeted at the airport by many congregation members, headed by former Panihati temple president Gokularanjan das, at 7 p.m. at the Hartsfield airport arrival lobby.

This airport is a tirtha of the Brihat Mrdanga Sankirtan of Book Distribution. It is fitting that Pankajanghri prabhu's first arrival in the USA was at such a holy place. The first devotee to distribute 200 big books in one day, Carudesana das, did it at this location in 1974. Srila Prabhupada heard of his great feat and wrote him a letter thanking him for his service. Some say this gave birth to the Christmas marathon. (Click here for the full article)

ISKCON IYF Nepal Website

by Ram Sharan
Posted June 6, 2009

Please accept the blessings of their Lordship Sri Sri Radha Govinda Hari, Sri Gaura Nitai and Srila Prabhupada.

Here is the Web site for Iskcon Youth Forum Nepal.

Please click on the following address and give your feed back: visa.iskconnepal.org

Please contact us at servantofservants@gmail.com

Kaviraja Das Passes Away

by Sikhi Mahiti das
Posted June 3, 2009

Long time ISKCON Atlanta member, Kaviraja das a disciple of Srila Prabhupada, passed away about 2 am Monday morning, June 1st, at his home from cancer. HG Carudesana das acbsp, was by his side along with Kaviraja prabhu's family members chanting the maha mantra as he passed.

Please keep Kaviraja prabhu and his wife Shanti dd, and daughters Saci, Prapti, Rama Tulasi, & Mohini, in your prayers.

Evolution Can Wait

by Dharini dasi
Posted June 3, 2009

I agree with Chakra, and I don't think that ISKCON should release the proposed GBC statement against evolution. There is no doubt that the statement represents Srila Prabhupada's view. However, it should be very carefully crafted for the general public. I really like the proposition that a materialistic view of the origin of life results in a disrespect for life and a materialistic outlook on everything. However, the statement is generally too long, goes too far, and is not convincing. (Click here for the full article)

Srila Prabhupada Installation

by ISKCON Murari Sevaka
Posted June 3, 2009

Saturday, June 13th 2009

Schedule:

4:00 pm Bhajans by Gadi das

4:30 pm Abhiseka and Installation Ceremony

5:00 pm Srila Prabhupada's Pastimes by Gadi Prabhu and other Senior Prabhupada Disciples

6:00 pm Maha aratic/Guru Astakam Prayers

6:30 pm Prasadam

We would like to celebrate this auspicious occasion each year so please keep us in mind every June. (Click here for the full article)

Small Garden Blooms Into Big Preaching

by Nitin Puri das
Posted June 3, 2009

Late summer production of Swiss chard and okra.

First Lady Michelle Obama's organic garden on the White House lawn has attracted worldwide attention, both positive and negative. Organic enthusiasts nationwide laud her effort to grow a tiny patch of vegetables, while heavily subsidized agribusiness giants feel threatened. They should be frightened. What if people turned away from toxic food and began growing staples in their own backyards? What if the dialogue about food and where it comes from was elevated to include a spiritual perspective? What if your local ISKCON city temple or farm was on the cutting edge of the debate? What if the public saw Krishna communities as pioneers in sustainability? What if? (Click here for the full article)

A New Gaudiya Vaisnava Web Site for Ideas And Discussion

by Babhru das
Posted June 2, 2009

We live in times best characterized by the need to define the spiritual, times ripe for the resurgence of metaphysics. Not only has science failed to retire the "why" questions that arise spontaneously in human consciousness, but philosophy has also thought-drained its well dry. Bridging the metaphysics of the East and the philosophical traditions of the West, we propose a return to active discourse between humanity and divinity, which is the essence of revelation. This holds far more potential for fulfilling humanity's essential needs than unbridled intellectual exercise and the licensing of technology to change the nature of nature. In such dialogue, reason shines as an aspect of faith, and faith itself is the illuminating embrace of truth, rather than mere belief. (Click here for the full article)

Srila Prabhupada Comes to Murari Sevaka

by Rama Vigraha das
Posted June 1, 2009

On Saturday June 13th a new Deity of Srila Prabhupada will be installed on the altar at Murari Sevaka. It's a beautiful Deity made with fine detail and craftsmanship at Iskcon, Ujjain. These murtis were initially designed and prepared by his grace Locan das, a renowned artist and disciple of Srila Prabhupada. Locan das single handedly undertook this service enabling hundreds of temples to be avail with these deities. Recognizing the value of this service H.H. Bhakti Caru Swami is facilitating it from Ujjain, India. (Click here for the full article)

May 2009 Issue of B.T. Swami Reflections

by Tamal Krsna dasa
Posted June 1, 2009

Please see the link below for the May 2009 issue of B.T. Swami Reflections.

Click Here

IN THIS ISSUE:

"The Devotee's Duty" by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada

"Spiritual Housecleaning" by His Holiness Bhakti Tirtha Swami

"How Much Are You Worth?" by His Holiness Jayadvaita Swami

"Devotee Spotlight" His Grace Partha-sarathi dasa